Only Him (Only One 1)

Eric finishes his drink and stands. “I think I’m gonna get some sleep. Gotta get the rental car early in the morning.”

“Sure thing,” I tell him, showing him around the house just in case he needs anything. Everleigh offered to stay at Ruby’s for a few days so I could have her room and Eric could have mine. “Sheets are clean.”

“Thanks again,” he tells me. I grab some clothes from my drawers before I walk away and give him his space. Sassy jumps off Everleigh’s bed when I pass to go into the living room, and I decide to take her for a walk. It gives me a little time to blow off some steam, but now that I have confirmation that Victoria is in town, I watch out for anything out of the ordinary. Sassy stops every ten seconds, but I don’t rush her, especially with how nice it feels out.

Once we’re back inside, I feed her some treats, then she runs back to my room and hops on the bed. “You’re so lazy,” I say with a grin as she puts her head down.

Considering I didn’t take a shower after work, I go to the bathroom. I step under the hot stream and can’t stop thinking about the last time Gemma was in here with me. The pain of her going through with the wedding nearly destroys me. She’ll stand in front of a room full of people, and they’ll witness her exchanging vows with that asshole. The whole thing makes me so goddamn sick to my stomach, and I feel like I’m suffocating. I turn off the water and get out of the shower and dry off. My thoughts over this whole situation are fucking with me, but above all, I just want her to be safe. My stress levels are through the roof, so I promise myself I’ll get up in the morning and hit the gym regardless of how shitty I’ve been sleeping lately.

After I get dressed, I go to Everleigh’s room and climb into her bed. As I close my eyes, I think about a letter Gemma wrote to me. It squeezes at my heartstrings, and as I recall each word she said, it nearly guts me.

Dear Tyler,

Your last letter nearly broke my heart. When you get home, I’m going to kick your ass for that. I don’t know why you think you’re not good enough to have a real relationship. You’re caring. Honest. You’ve got all the qualities that a woman looks for in a man…or at least from what I’ve watched on TV and read online. Everleigh has shared with me all the things you used to do for her when she was younger. I’m aware that you didn’t have a good example, but she turned out just fine, though a little crazy, but I don’t think that’s your fault. :) Your grandparents love you, and they love each other, and I’m also happy they were in your life. Honestly, without your grandma pulling the reins back on Everleigh, I think she may have gone wild. Also, one last thing. Just because your mom wasn’t a good role model doesn’t mean you’re destined to follow in her footsteps when you decide to get married and start a family. And you will have all of that—a wife, kids, and an amazing job. I don’t doubt that. Your heart is huge, and whoever you end up with, I know you’ll do whatever you can to make her really happy. She’ll be the luckiest woman alive…and I’m kinda jealous thinking about it.

I’m not giving up on you yet, so don’t give up on yourself either.

With Love,

Gemma

P.S. I’m still kicking your ass.

Though time passed and I ended up hurting her, I’m relieved that Gemma never changed her stance. Right now, going through with this wedding is the best decision. The bottom line is, I’m not giving up on her either, and in the end, we’ll be stronger for it.

I can’t believe it’s already Friday, but then again, every day since Gemma told me she was marrying Robert has been exactly the same. Gym, work, gym, home, sleep—rinse and repeat. Today, Gemma wore that miniskirt I love so much with an orange fuzzy sweater. Roses were delivered promptly at lunchtime, and Robert made sure to order so many that the smell nearly knocked me down when I entered the lobby.

Gemma pretended they weren’t a big deal, but I wonder if she despises them and if she wants to trash them the same way she did the others he sent. While drinking my coffee, a customer enters, complimenting her on the roses, and Gemma gushes. It takes everything I have to keep my expression neutral.

“So the wedding is happening soon. Are you excited to get married?”

“Oh, yes ma’am,” Gemma says with a saccharine sweet smile. “Can’t wait to start my life with my husband. I love him so much.”

I glance at her, grab my cup, and walk into the garage, busying myself with tasks. Jerry gives me sad eyes but doesn’t say anything. He’s aware of how Gemma felt about Robert and was just as frustrated as everyone else to hear the wedding was happening. Though neither of us have brought it up, we feel the same. Robert’s threats are total shit, but Gemma has to do this to protect her dad’s property. It’s the only way.

After work, I go to the gym. Luke and I throw punches for an hour, and I don’t go easy on him. Over the past few months of training him, he’s grown much stronger and has started using his head more. I’m like a proud big brother when he swings and punches me right in the chin. Fighting on the mats helps me work out my aggression just as much as it helps him.

Once the session is over, Ruby asks me if I want to get a drink with her. Everleigh is still staying at her house, but she’s been walking Sassy each day after work and spending time with her. Though I’m sweaty, it’s not like I’m trying to impress anyone, so I agree. We walk down to the pub, and she gives me shit about my demeanor.

“You gotta quit moping around like this, Tyler. Move on. Date again. Find you a side piece.” She elbows me as we sit at the bar and our beers are placed in front of us. She doesn’t know all the details about Robert and Gemma’s arrangement. I didn’t feel as if it was my place to even mention it.

I give her a look. “I’m good. Honestly. The wedding will be over soon, and I’ll eventually get back to the life I had before it.”

“The one where you did nothing but work and had no social life?”

I shrug. “Maybe.”

She sips her beer and watches parts of the football game playing on the TV. “I just worry about you. I know how much Gemma meant to you, and I hate to see you like this. That’s all.”

“Hey, I’m gonna be just fine. I just need a month or so to process it all. Things will go back to normal, I promise.”

She lifts her glass and grins. “Good. I’m gonna hold you to it. Everleigh is worried shitless about you too.”

I scoff. “She needs to make up her mind. She was lonely when I was spending time with Gemma every night, and now, she’s annoyed that I’m home. The girl needs to date.”

Ruby smirks. “If only she’d give me a real chance.”

I narrow my eyes at her. “She denied you?”